Sonya Ohlsson
College Admissions Counselor
Qualifications & Experience
25 Years in College Counseling & Admissions
Former Admissions Officer, University of Vermont & Northeastern University
Director of College Counseling at U.S. & International Schools
Degrees from UC San Diego, Vermont State University & London School of Economics
I bring 25 years of experience in college admissions, high school counseling, and international education to my work with students. I’ve read thousands of applications as an admissions officer, built counseling programs at schools across the U.S. and abroad, and supported students in applications to universities on four continents. I enjoy working with students from all backgrounds and helping them navigate the process with confidence, clarity, and calm.
Approach to Counseling
I see the college application as more than a checklist – it is a student’s story, and it is my job to help them tell it well. To do this, I draw on my deep experiences on both sides of the admissions desk: partnering with students to uncover their authentic voice, shape a compelling narrative, and build a college list of “right fit” schools where they will genuinely thrive. My work is grounded in meaningful conversations, complete honesty, a relationship built on trust – with plenty of humor and a healthy dose of TCB (Taking Care of Business) along the way.
Areas of Expertise
- Working with students applying to universities in the U.S., UK, Canada, and across Asia and Europe
- Helping international families understand the complexities of the US university admissions process
- Building college lists rooted in genuine fit rather than name recognition
- Developing essays and crafting an authentic personal narrative
Personal Touch
Every student is ultimately wrestling with the question: Who am I, and what do I want? It’s a powerful question, and I love collaborating with students as they translate their experiences and desires into a captivating narrative. Outside of work, I am perpetually searching for the best local Indian and Mexican food, and I am rarely without a mystery or sci-fi novel in hand (bonus points for a time-traveling detective story!).